Grab your tickets with EARLY ACCESS to the September show dates at the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and enjoy this duo in person. I remember watching them when my kids were so little on TV!
Here are the details:
There’s a presale code that is required if you want to get your tickets before they sell out, and tickets are available to the general public starting May 5 but they’ve opened the ticket doors early with a presale.
Then, purchase your tickets and wait until September to enjoy your show.
More about the Wild Kratts coming to Ottawa
The show dates are September 15-16 with multiple shows per day.
There is an option for regular tickets OR VIP tickets.
This performance is fun for all ages, even better for 2 to 10 year old children, but best suited for 3 to 8 year olds.
VIP Meet & Greet description: VIP tickets include admission to a special meet and greet with Chris and Martin Kratt right after the show. Please note that each child attending the meet and greet must be accompanied by an adult, who must also have a VIP ticket.
The performance is 85 minutes total, which includes a 20 minute intermission.
This post is a paid partnership with the National Arts Centre
Spring has sprung and while families in Ottawa are looking to fill their days with events, activities and sunshine, there are also a lot of opportunities to enjoy a family-friendly show at the NAC.
So what’s coming up at the NAC that you and your family won’t want to miss?
Save the dates for these events and grab your tickets while they are available! Don’t forget to follow the NAC Facebook page and the Arts Alive! Facebook page so you don’t miss anything!
Parents of younger children (ages 3-8 year olds), you’ll want to check out this performance on May 28. It features over 20 instruments in a fun and educational show. Three sessions are availble:
English: 11 AM and 1:30 PM
French: 3 PM
Tickets are $15 (plus fees/taxes).
Evoking the mysteries of the Andes, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands, Colores Andinos blends Native-Andean rhythms and contemporary influences such as salsa, bossa-nova, and jazz to create a genuine panorama of the past and present of Latin American culture – a mix that could only truly happen in Canada.
It’s a 45 minute bilingual performance for children ages 6-12.
If you’ve been wanting to visit another planet lately, if you’ve been longing for a change of scene, you absolutely have to see this slightly Martian garden/show!
You’re invited to find a spot under a curious table/set. You put your head through a hole, and suddenly you’re a living rock in a surreal landscape that unfolds its miniature botany in front of your nose. Now you can listen to the sounds springing up all around you, and watch mechanized plants growing, balloon snails quietly gliding by, delicate foam anemones dancing in the light. However, something is wrong with this eclectic paradise: it seems to be in the grip of a drought. How can we save it?
This super-intimate show in the form of a visual art installation suspends time to allow us to consider together, with our eyes and ears wide open, the effects of climate change. Like a love poem written with the senses, and addressed to the beauty and fragility of living things.
– the NAC website
Tickets are $15 (plus fees/taxes) but there are also package discounts that may apply!
There is always something happening at the NAC (including their FREE events like Toddler Tuesdays) which is why you’ll want to browse the event line up this Spring and beyond.
As always, I am so pleased to share upcoming events happening in Ottawa that your family will love. This time, I’m telling you about February events for families at the National Arts Centre.
I am thrilled to welcome the NAC back as an advertiser because it’s an honour to work with such a great organization and its information I am more than happy to share with readers. As always, some events do require tickets, but I really appreciate that there are so many free opportunities for families as well.
TIP: Follow the National Arts Centre and Arts Alive! on Facebook so you don’t miss out on new announcements, sales, and special programming.
There are family-friendly activities, performances and more happening on February 18th and 19th at the BIG BANG Festival.
For the curious kid in everyone, from age 5 and up
Get ready for the ultimate musical adventure! The BIG BANG Festival is back with a burst of colourful festivities at a joyful decibel this winter. Follow along for a musical journey featuring exciting concerts, surprise performances, sound machines and wild curiosities all over the building – your eardrums will thank you. Join us February 18 and 19 for a lively weekend with family and friends.
– The National Arts Centre website
Don’t miss Alice Factory, a performance based on the many movie adaptations of Alice in Wonderland. This show does require tickets.
Or the Garden for Little Souls, a play place set like a garden (in the winter!). This exhibition is hands on for little ones ages 2-7.
At the crafts area your child can decorate their own crown or get a temporary tattoo.
February is Black History Month, and the NAC is celebrating with events all month long.
Families will want to save the date for Reggae Roots on February 23-25.
This is a show for audiences 12+.
Explore the evolution of Jamaica’s most famous export in Reggae Roots, and discover the people, sounds, and stories of the musical movement that grew to influence music around the globe. Hailed as reggae-roots royalty, Jamaican-born Halifax-based vocalist Jah’Mila finds her groove with conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra in a program that reflects on the social, cultural, and spiritual importance of the magical musical genre that has shaped Jamaica and touched the world.
– The National Arts Centre website
While not all shows are for our little kids, I wanted to share the Black History Month link so you can plan to get a babysitter or go with your teens, friends and family! Get more details about the events all month long on their website.
These are just some examples of events happening at the National Arts Centre this month. There is always something going on throughout the year that families can enjoy (including free events) so sign up to their social accounts or newsletter for more. And of course, I’ll keep sharing too!
This is a paid partnership with the City of Ottawa. All opinions are my own.
Save the date for these family friendly shows coming up at Meridian Theatres and Shenkman Arts Centre – and one of the events are FREE!
Live performances are amazing – it’s something we’ve always tried to do with the kids since they were little (in Ottawa, and outside of Ottawa!) There are many opportunities for your family to enjoy a show in the Ottawa area in 2023 too.
Make a date with the kids and plan for some family fun thanks to a few events and shows of note in Ottawa over the next few weeks.
Juno-nominated artist Jeremy Fisher brings his new animated CBC show to life with “Jeremy Fisher sings the songs of Jeremy and Jazzy.” Taking families through his catalogue of catchy children’s music with a message, Jeremy brings the characters and songs to life with his trademark earnest stager banter and sing along anthems.
Shenkman Website
When my kids were younger we loved going to shows and performances at Shenkman (it doesn’t hurt that I live in the East end too!) But there’s something uniquely different about watching a stage show compared to seeing it on TV or YouTube.
It’s on January 28th at 1:30 pm. It’s an all ages show presented in English.
NOTE: POSTPONED (I’ll update when there’s a new date) Save the date to see Paddington!
Yes, THE Paddington Bear will be live on stage at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe in February.
This all ages, English show will be at 7 pm on Friday, February 10th and at 1:30 pm on Saturday, February 11th.
In this original slapstick comedy, Paddington goes next door to borrow a cup of sugar from his neighbor Mr. Curry, who is in a panic because he’s expecting a visit from his Great Aunt Matilda. And so, Paddington volunteers to help Mr. Curry with his to-do list before her imminent arrival.
Throughout the afternoon Paddington attempts items on the list – repair the pipes in the bathroom, vacuum the floors, install new wallpaper, bake a cake…. But in typical Paddington fashion, nothing goes to plan. The pipes burst and flood the bathroom. The vacuum cleaner misbehaves and leaves dust everywhere. Paddington adds too much self-rising flour to the cake, and his efforts at wallpapering turn into catastrophic (and sticky) chaos!
Will Paddington be able to fix everything before Great Aunt Matilda arrives?
FREE: Fete Frissons at Shenkman Arts Centre on February 11th
Finally, I wanted to make sure you knew about Fete Frissons, a FREE family friendly event on February 11th at Shenkman Arts Centre.
This event is an official Winterlude Partner event and the day (from 10 am until 4 pm) is filled with activities to try, music to enjoy and food to savour.
While the event itself (and activities and performances) are free, the food vendors will have food for sale so come prepared! I saw on the list there will be donuts. DONUTS!
This post is a paid partnership sponsored by the National Arts Centre
Save the date for this FREE event at the NAC on December 11
At this time of year, it’s nice to plan some family together time. It’s a busy season, with school concerts and events, holiday planning, winter break approaching (which means work deadlines) and more. So being able to come together as a family to reconnect and have some fun is a welcomed addition to our busy calendars.
Even better: When the event happens to be free!
You won’t want to miss the upcoming NAC Orchestra Players Association Fanfair concert at the National Arts Centre on Sunday, December 11 at 12 pm. This festive concert will also benefit two local charities – The Ottawa Food Bank and the Snowsuit Fund.
If you arrive early at 10:30 am, you can enjoy caroling and pre-orchestra music with OrKidstra (who I have been fortunate enough to hear in person and they are amazing), followed at 11 am by a bake sale and Santa himself is making a visit.
Monetary donations toward the Ottawa Food Bank and The Snowsuit Fund will be accepted at the bake sale.
The event is taking place at the Canal Lobby Stage and Philippe Marcoux of Radio-Canada and Alan Neal from CBC will be the hosts for the day.
ALSO! Even the parking is free!
If you have an activity advent, this is a wonderful way to surprise the kids with the activity of the day, or if you are just looking to head out with your family, friends, or significant other, mark this event on your calendar.
Reminder: If you are still gift shopping for someone on your list, now is a great time to get a gift certificate to the NAC for an upcoming show in 2023, or grab tickets to one of the many family events scheduled in the new year.
I am happy that there are so many local opportunities to shop and buy from local makers, artisans, and crafters. Whether you order online, or shop in person at special events, ’tis the season of joyful, conscious and local shopping.
For starters, it’s fully online, with flat rate shipping OR free local pick up (and there are multiple pick up locations so you can find the closest one to you!)
Secondly, the fair is intended to be a more inclusive craft fair so that more makers can participate. There is a sliding scale to ensure access for more, it’s online it’s easier for a lot of people to attend and shop. Here’s some information from their website:
Pride, Not Prejudice is for the socially conscious. We’re for individuals who might be at risk of being called “social justice warriors” and their friends. It is for the community of people who give a damn. It is for folks who proudly wear labels such as feminist, queer, Black, and progressive and those who will stand up for justice and against injustice.
Shop the Fair until November 6
I love the intention of this fair, but I also love the products as a shopper. With over 60 vendors, there’s is something for so many people on your list – from little ones, to teens (grab stocking stuffers!), friends and family and of course yourself.
My cart this year had a lot for myself. HA.
You’ll want to browse the entire website (grab a tea or coffee and plan to spend some time searching!) but here are a few links to items that I have ordered.
Holiday Cards from Chez Louie Designs (Here’s a link to the dumpster fire card I gave out last year haha. I ordered different ones this year)
Gifts or Ornaments from Forgetbknot. I ordered some of the trees for gift add ons!
Just like last time, I ordered more Rude Raspberry Jam from Fckin Delicious. There are more jam and pickle options too! So good.
I LOVE and need candles this time of year especially for my bath time. I can’t wait to check out the Down to Earth one I got from Enfematic. I almost ordred pumpkin pie too.
I didn’t get more this time, because I still have some but check out Baccanalle’s products. Their signature spice blend is great to have in the pantry!
If you have younger children, the items from Aurora + Holly look so sweet! There’s a Gingerbread House puzzle that I would have absolutely wanted when my kids were little.
There was more on my list, but honestly, you’ll want to just browse the site to find so many amazing products!
The Pride, Not Prejudice Fair ends on November 6 at 6 pm EST
Photos of other items:
A few images from vendors at the fair. You’ll find more on the PNP website, or by browsing their Instagram Page!
While indoor pools and recreation centres are available, outdoor pools with a reservation system (recommended) are also available for families to beat the heat. I think many people wish there were more outdoor pools available in the City too as an activity and for heat relief.
I would love to see more outdoor pools for families in Ottawa. Last summer, my sister and I took our kids for a swim and had a blast.
At indoor pools, there are public swims and wave swims for added fun.
There are fees associated with these drop in activities but you can find out more details on the City of Ottawa website.
In addition to swimming, there are drop in programs and random games you can play available at various community and recreation centres and locations across the City. Find a local basketball court, or introduce the kids to tennis. Find a new park or splash pad in the area too!
All of the details about outdoor swim times and public drop in activities can be found on the City of Ottawa Recreation website, including information about how to book a reservation (which isn’t required, but is recommended to reserve your spot – otherwise, it’s based on availability).
It has been too long since we have been to Almonte – please note, some things may have changed since I first drafted this article (at the start of the pandemic!)
From time to time, our family has taken the 45 minute drive West of Ottawa to visit the small, historic town of Almonte. It’s become one of our favourite ‘weekend road trip’ destinations.
I had heard of it for some time (primarily because I was following some shops who are there on Instagram) and knew it would be a nice place for us to visit as a family. We were not disappointed when we finally went a couple of years ago. Now, when we want to plan something to do as a family on a weekend, we take a drive to Almonte!
What to do in Almonte
Almonte is home to Equator Coffee Roasters which has rich, dark coffees we love, and their cafe in Almonte is inviting with food and drinks. The kids have declared their hot chocolate the best they ever have! We often stop for a drink on our way out of town, but you can begin your day with coffee and a breakfast bite here.
We make our way to the main street of Almonte where you’ll discover many local shops. From clothing to gifts to children’s items to books to household decor, these shops are worth the trip alone.
We love how many of them feature local artisans and you’ll find some unique items here (this is why I love shopping local, it’s nearly impossible not to find the perfect gift that isn’t the same old, same old.)
Cheerfully Made features amazing locally made items to wear, to put in your office, to give or to use in your own home.
Mill Street Books offers a wonderful selection of books for the entire family plus Andy loves finding records there – the selection is small but they are so different than many other places he looks!
You have to stop at Baker Bob’s for a fresh baked treat. It’s the old-school bakery that many of us grew up with, and that I find so hard to find – but their date squares are amazing and I can’t even tell you how beyond perfect their butter tarts are. Trust me.
We have enjoyed a meal at Cafe Postino (such a great place for pizza) and always like walking to watch the rush of the mini falls – Almonte is on the Mississippi River.
Almonte was also home to James Naismith- you’ll recognize that name as the inventor of Basketball! A statue on the street encourages people to remember this historic moment, so your kids will likely enjoy learning more about that too.
Almonte offers the perfect day trip adventure for those of us in the Ottawa area and I can’t recommend it enough. All four of us have begun to love our mini trips when we go – shopping, eating and just spending time together.
Support the local shops and foodie places while you are there, they are worth it!
This post is a paid partnership with the City of Ottawa
Oh hi. It’s almsot late June. And suddenly, like many other parents, I’m looking at the calendar and realizing that school is really truly almost done for another year and the summer is quickly approaching. This also means many parents are thinking about summer camps.
Every family has different needs in the summer and experiences planned. I know that summer break is not always an amazing time for some kids and can be quite stressful for parents. It can also be a much needed break from the school year.
Parents, we are all trying to do the best we can and make plans depending on our family (and work) schedules. This even changes with older kids as many of my friends are also balancing their own work schedules with their teen children’s!
Camps are a great way to keep the kids busy, while having fun, during the summer break.
Summer Camps in Ottawa
If you are still looking for summer camps for your kids, check out some of the offers from the City of Ottawa.
Virtual Camps in Ottawa
The City has continued to offer a limited number of virtual camps for families who are in need of this option or find it fits better into their plans and schedules. While there aren’t as many available as in-person camps, and the times are usually shorter when offered (think more like a class that runs daily during the camp week rather than a full day camp) the selection is varied.
Choose a dance class, guitar class, coding and game development, LEGO, drawing and painting.
In-Person Camps in Ottawa
In-person camps have always been popular throughout the City. Kids love the different opportunities to try something new, focus on an activity they really love, and meet new friends. Parents will appreciate the support throughout the summer which can include before and after care. And, the added bonus, I think the kids will be tired at the end of the day!
Reminder: There are camp options for children ages 4 – 17.
Take a look at all of the offerings on the City website, and browse to see which ones are still available. But as I write this, I checked on a few that I thought looked really great, confirmed there was space and included them below as a starting point!
Fun and Friends Energy Arts and crafts, games, sports, special events, and outdoor activities.
Ages: 4-5
Various weeks and locations across Ottawa. Some locations are already booked up, but others aren’t.
Camp Ottawa Adventure Sports, games, crafts, special events and an out-trip (may include swimming). May include a weekly theme.
Various Locations, children ages 6-12.
Dance Camp Experiment with different dance styles. Create dance combinations set to music and develop basic technical steps. Performance on the last day. Camp activities each day.
Ages 8-12 at Francois Dupuis.
Scratch Game Mania Explore game programming using the increasingly popular Scratch software. Make three awesome games using block-based programming and learn crucial programming logic including if-else statements, variables, loops and more. Design and create your own game.
(note: My eldest used to love Scratch!)
For kids ages 7-10, Berrigan School and Glen Cairn
Outdoor Adventures Grab your binoculars and magnifying glasses to discover the wonders of nature in your neighbourhood. Hiking, orienteering, gardening and nature crafts.
Ages 9-12 years old, at the Nepean Sportsplex.
Leonardo Camp Science and nature meet the visual arts – DaVinci style. Explore combinations of natural elements, science, and arts activities. Creative inventions led by experienced fine arts professional.
Ages 8-11, at the Nepean Visual Asts Centre.
Chef Adventure Get ready for a sweet and savory week filled with slicing and dicing. Includes daily camp activities and one out-trip throughout the week
Ages 9-12, North Gower location.
Badminton Adventure Learn all there is to know about badminton including grip, smash, serve, net play, drop shots, rules and game play for singles and doubles. Camp activities and swimming each day with an out-trip during the week!
Ages 8-12, Goulbourn.
There are so many more. You can browse the entire selection for a favourite (and to find availability) on the City of Ottawa website.
There are a few winter activities I have liked over the years. Most of them were enjoyed while out and about with the kids, and most of them when the weather is about 3 degrees or maybe minus 3. Otherwise, I’m at the point where I’m just waiting for winter to be over. To enjoy the warmer sun, to stop wearing a coat and boats, and to get outside more.
I wanted to do a quick post to say hello. We are doing ok over here. In Ottawa, it had been a difficult February with an illegal occupation that was scary and frustrating. Our city is in need of so many changes (there’s an election this year) but it all felt so stressful (which then lead into the end of February and the invasion of Ukraine which is also a difficult reality). So it’s no wonder everyone is feeling a lot of things. Parents, I read this article on Today’s Parent about talking to kids about the war in Ukraine and thought it might help.
Meanwhile, in February, while we were in isolation (there was a positive rapid test in the house, although no symptoms and no one else was positive – yay vaccines!), we also celebrated my daughter’s 13th birthday. Maybe I should do a separate post for that. It deserves its own post because 13 is quite the milestone.
When she was 1
I did want to share with you some bylines that I’ve had lately. I have been working a lot on client work (I will admit that having so many projects to work on feels great) as well as freelance writing.
I wrote about talking to kids about the occupation in Ottawa (it was the topic of conversation at our dinner table a lot) for MediaSmarts.
I have almost weekly SavvyMom articles but the recent one has been shared a lot – I think because it’s all about activities for families in March and everyone is really looking for something to do (especially with March Break coming!)
I hope you and your families are all staying safe. Although restrictions are lifting, Covid hasn’t gone away and I hope some precautions like masking last a while longer until we can see how things are truly going in the absence of testing (I’ve never looked at poop reports like this before!) and when we all can get outside more.
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